So you heard Alys's report with regard to the trade dynamic that we're developing with Latin America right now. Ununice Yun just laid out the state of play with China and its economy visav trade. Just how important are the next few weeks and months for this Trump administration in trying to really push through the priorities it has on international trade.>> Extraordinarily important. Um and uh these four new trade agreements I think are a great showing of momentum of the uh importance of using tariffs as a ...

Core Insights - The report from Dhaman indicates that the Arab region is projected to attract $122.7 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 53% [1] - This FDI accounts for 14.2% of the total inflow to developing countries and 8.1% of the global total [1] - The FDI inflow continues to show geographical concentration, with five countries accounting for approximately 97% of the total inflow, with Egypt leading at $46.6 billion, which is 38% of the total [1] - By the end of 2024, the FDI stock in Arab countries is expected to grow by 8.8%, reaching $1.2 trillion, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Oman making up 73% of this total [1]

Core Insights - India's foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a four-year high of $11.11 billion in July, but dropped to $6 billion in August [1] - The repatriation of funds by foreign companies increased by 30% month-on-month, totaling $4.9 billion in August, leading to a negative net FDI for the first time this fiscal year [1] - In August, India experienced a net FDI outflow of $616 million, contrasting with a net inflow of $5 billion in July [1]

Core Insights - The ASEAN+3 region demonstrates economic resilience amid global uncertainties, driven by robust internal demand and regional trade [1][3] - AMRO forecasts economic growth for ASEAN+3 to reach 4.1% in 2025 and 3.8% in 2026, reflecting upward revisions from previous predictions [1][3] - The region's strong economic performance in the first half of 2025, particularly in exports, has created favorable conditions for recovery [1][3] Economic Growth - ASEAN+3 economies achieved approximately 4.3% growth in the first half of 2025, supported by both domestic demand and exports [3] - The region's export growth was approximately 7% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, primarily driven by demand for electronic products [3] - The growth forecast for ASEAN is expected to slow from 4.9% in 2024 to 4.6% in 2025 and 4.3% in 2026 [3] Export Performance - The semiconductor sector has shown significant growth, with ASEAN+3 semiconductor exports increasing by 10.9% in the first half of 2025, driven by a 19.2% year-on-year growth in the global chip market [3][4] - Despite overall export growth slowing, strong demand for AI-related chips continues to offset weaknesses in other sectors [3][4] Service Trade and Tourism - The tourism sector has rebounded, with visitor numbers surpassing pre-pandemic levels, providing strong support for domestic demand and employment [4] - Recent data indicates a stabilization in tourism, despite short-term disruptions from natural disasters and security incidents [4] Risks and Challenges - AMRO warns of four major downside risks that could significantly impact the baseline forecasts for 2025 and 2026, including potential escalation of protectionist policies [5][6] - The risk of a slowdown in major economies, particularly the U.S., could weaken consumer and investor confidence, affecting regional economic activity [5][6] - Global financial market volatility and potential spikes in commodity prices due to geopolitical tensions pose additional risks to the region's economic stability [6] Policy and Stability - AMRO emphasizes that ASEAN+3 economies are relatively well-positioned to navigate global headwinds, supported by a robust banking system and adequate foreign exchange reserves [6] - The combination of well-designed policy measures and strong fundamentals provides a critical buffer against external shocks [6]

Core Insights - Vietnam has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) amounting to $26.1 billion in the first eight months of this year, representing a 27.3% increase compared to the same period last year [1] - Actual disbursed FDI reached $15.4 billion, showing an 8.8% year-on-year growth, with the manufacturing sector remaining the top choice for foreign investors [1] - Despite the positive FDI performance, Vietnam faces significant challenges in achieving its annual investment target of $38 billion to $40 billion, necessitating ongoing improvements in the investment business environment [1] Investment Environment - The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance emphasizes that FDI is a crucial source of funding for the country's economic growth [1] - The strong FDI inflow signals a robust investment climate in Vietnam, even amid a global slowdown in FDI flows [1] - Continuous enhancement of the investment environment is deemed essential for Vietnam's long-term economic strategy [1]

Core Insights - Ghana has registered 76 projects with a projected total foreign direct investment (FDI) of $862.96 million by June 2025, marking a significant increase of 381.91% compared to the same period last year [1] Investment Projects - The manufacturing sector leads with the highest number of projects, totaling 32 [1] - General trade attracted the highest FDI amounting to $622.92 million [1] Foreign Investment Sources - China has the highest number of investment projects in Ghana, totaling 22, followed by India with 14, Nigeria with 8, and the UAE and the UK with 4 each [1] - The United States ranks sixth with 3 projects, while Liberia, Mauritius, Singapore, and Turkey each have 2 projects [1]

Group 1: Supply Chain Dynamics - The Asian supply chain is diversifying and becoming more refined, with China increasing its share of high-end manufactured goods in the value chain [1][2] - The ASEAN countries exhibit significant differences in industrial specialization and development levels, impacting their positions in the value chain [1] Group 2: Trade Relations - ASEAN has effectively replaced the U.S. as China's largest regional export market, with approximately 16% of China's exports directed to ASEAN in 2024, slightly above the 14% share to the U.S. [2] - China has shifted from a trade deficit to a growing surplus with ASEAN in the electronics sector, indicating an enhancement in China's production dominance [2] Group 3: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - ASEAN welcomed a record FDI of $230 billion in 2023, with China becoming a major source of investment, particularly in Indonesia, where Chinese FDI reached $8.2 billion in the first half of 2025 [6] - The influx of FDI is expected to boost manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and optimize labor structures in the region [6] Group 4: Economic Resilience and Strategies - The economic ties between China and ASEAN have strengthened since the U.S.-China trade tensions, showcasing resilience despite potential risks from external pressures [3][4] - Companies can enhance regional supply chain resilience by diversifying partnerships and aligning investments with long-term national development goals, particularly in clean energy and digital economy sectors [7]

Core Insights - Sharjah has been recognized as the fastest-growing emirate for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2025, indicating a significant economic return from capital inflows [1] - The new performance data for the first half of 2025 confirms that these investments are actively expanding project pipelines, creating job opportunities, and strengthening the emirate's industrial base, particularly in consumer goods, food and beverage, business services, and industrial equipment [1] - The current development trajectory enhances Sharjah's role as a competitive and reliable investment hub, contributing to long-term economic resilience and diversified growth [1] Economic Performance - Capital investment surged to $1.5 billion in the first half of 2025, a 361% increase compared to $325 million in the same period last year [1] - The number of new projects reached 74, marking a 57% increase from 47 projects in the first half of 2024 [1]

Core Insights - Sharjah attracted 74 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the first half of 2025, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 57% [1] - The total FDI amount reached $1.5 billion, representing a staggering year-on-year growth of 361%, making it the strongest performer among all emirates in the UAE [1] Industry Performance - The consumer goods sector led the growth in foreign investment, with the number of projects increasing by 53% and capital investment rising by 188%, indicating a growing demand for new products and services [1] - The food and beverage sector saw a project number increase of 112%, reinforcing Sharjah's position as a regional hub for food safety and related industries [1] - The industrial equipment sector experienced a 100% increase in project numbers and a 45% rise in capital expenditure, highlighting advancements in Sharjah's manufacturing industry [1] Strategic Factors - The continuous growth in attracting investments is attributed to a clear strategic vision, an integrated policy framework supporting investment, economic and financial stability, advanced infrastructure, and a flexible regulatory environment [1]

Core Insights - Greece attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) of €2.801 billion in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 42% [1] - In 2024, Greece attracted investments totaling €6.749 billion, a 41% increase from €4.775 billion in 2023, although still below the record €8.026 billion in 2022 [1] - The real estate sector attracted €356.8 million in investments, a decline from €520 million in the same period of 2024 [1]